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This Turmeric Mask for Acne Will Brighten and Tighten Your Skin in Minutes

It’s kind of a crazy concept to grasp that some of the most transformative healing properties come from the earth. Instead of turning to over-the-counter products or harsh chemicals, the answer to your skin’s problems could be right in your kitchen cabinet. Take turmeric, for example—we can go on for days discussing all the powerful benefits of this natural spice. If you’ve ever spent time googling “how to fade dark spots” or “ways to brighten your skin,” turmeric’s definitely come across your screen. You’re probably already up on all of its exceptional skin and health benefits. But just in case you need a little refresher on why this natural ingredient reigns supreme, we got you covered.

What’s even cooler is you can get creative and put together your own powerful concoctions of this powder to make DIY masks. With simple ingredients, turmeric masks for acne can erase your dark spots and zap acne in minutes. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to a good turmeric mask recipe, we tapped holistic skincare expert Michelle Ranavat, who also happens to be the founder of a natural skincare line of carefully blended ingredients called Ranavat Botanics. Keep reading for more on this hero ingredient and get ready to screenshot Ranavat’s go-to turmeric mask recipe.

Where does turmeric come from?

“Turmeric is a root that comes in shades of yellow and orange grown throughout India and parts of Asia and Central America,” Ranavat explains. “There are a few types of turmeric root, the most common is the Curcuma longa, which is mainly used for cooking, and Curcuma aromatic, which is wild turmeric, mostly used for the skin.”

What’s inside of turmeric that makes it such a powerful nutrient?

According to Ranavat, turmeric's primary active ingredients, curcuminoids, can improve your body’s ability to digest fats, reduce gas, and bloating. She also confirms that it does in fact work to treat skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, and eczema.

“Turmeric is packed with antioxidants, which are great antiaging properties,” she says. “It helps fight free radicals, inhibit peroxidation, and reduce iron complex.” A 2009 study backs this fact up by reporting that turmeric prevents the skin’s formation of wrinkles and melanin. It also reduces your skin’s elasticity caused by chronic UVB exposure.

Ranavat continues: “If you digest even one ounce of turmeric, it provides your body with 26% of its daily requirement of manganese and 16% of the iron it needs,” notes Ranavat. “It’s also a great source for things like vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, magnesium, and fiber.”

What’s your go-to turmeric mask recipe?

See Ranavat’s favorite at-home recipe passed down from her mom below:

1 tbsp. honey (raw honey is optimal)

1 tsp. turmeric

4 to 5 drops of lemon

“Mix this blend until a rich paste is formed,” Ranavat recommends. “Keep this mask on for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Apply this mask one to two times a week for three weeks to experience the best skin results.”

Any other turmeric masks for acne you swear by?

“Ranavat Botanics Flawless Veil is an incredibly powerful powder mask,” Ranavat says. “All of the active botanicals are loaded with properties that fight hyperpigmentation and create an even complexion. These botanicals are enrobed in non-GMO honey powder that creates a soothing and luxurious experience to the masque so the clays and botanicals can gently work to cleanse and treat your skin without being too harsh.

Flawless Veil uses wild turmeric, as it’s better suited for skin application and does not stain skin as easily as traditional turmeric. Keep in mind that repairing effects of sun damage takes time—so the best results are seen after consistent use over a few weeks. Like DIY masks, also apply this masque one to two times per week for at least three weeks to see noticeable results.